On January 19, the feast of Epiphany begins. It is considered one of the most revered in the traditions of Christianity. It is on this day that all the water on earth becomes holy and carries the power of healing.
Epiphany water can relieve a person from many ailments. You can drink it for a long time. Many are sure that even after a few years it does not lose its properties.
Epiphany water is preferable to take in the temple, but the church also believes that the water on the whole planet on January 19 becomes consecrated.
Epiphany water facts
In Russia, water was consecrated twice (on Christmas Eve and Epiphany). The water consecrated these days has the same qualities and is considered healing.
You can wash yourself with Epiphany water, but it is customary to pour it out only in a special place that is not trampled underfoot.
It is important to remember that children are not bathed in Epiphany water and they are not given to animals. This can only be done in exceptional cases.
It is better to store water in a special place, preferably next to the icon. With the right attitude to holy water, it retains its properties for a long time.
Epiphany water taken from the temple cannot be used for cooking, washing dishes, washing clothes, or adding to the bath. However, the water consecrated in Baptism can be mixed with plain drinking water. When mixed, all the water becomes healing.
It is recommended to collect holy water in those sources where its consecration took place.
Sprinkling water on the house
On Epiphany, you can sprinkle holy water on your home, thereby cleansing it of negativity and everything bad.
According to tradition, sprinkling begins from the east side of the house, then moves to the west, then to the north and finally to the south. Before sprinkling the apartment, you need to wash it well, remove all unnecessary things and ventilate each separate room. And those who are going to sprinkle their homes need to confess and receive communion in advance.
Epiphany bathing
Traditionally, on Epiphany, it is customary to swim in the ice-hole. Swimming usually takes place on the night of January 19, but it is not prohibited to do this throughout the day.
Before plunging into the ice hole, you need to receive a blessing. Swimming in the hole is purely voluntary. The main thing is how sincerely a person commits repentance on this day.
